“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'”
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Americans first celebrated Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Jan. 15th birthday as a federal holiday in 1986. But it’s not just a day off school! Congress also declared the third Monday in January a national day of service in 1994.
This year we observe this special day on Monday, January 20.
Each year the President releases a proclamation about Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Last year's proclamation from President Donald J. Trump read, in part:
"One hundred years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, the great Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., took to the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and shared his vision of an America lifted from the 'quicksands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood.' His extraordinary message that momentous day in August of 1963 stirred to action Americans of every race and creed, and it continues to reverberate in the hearts and minds of patriotic citizens across our great land. Today, as we pause to mark the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., we recommit ourselves to the advancement of equality and justice for all Americans, and to the full realization of his worthy dream. ...
"... On this day, I encourage all Americans to recommit themselves to Dr. King’s dream by engaging in acts of service to others, to their community, and to our Nation. ..."
“Everybody can be great because everybody can serve.”
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
What kind of service projects can you do to honor Martin Luther King Jr.? Anything! Any type of public service honors Dr. King and his vision.
My favorite local organization to help families become involved with helping others is Pebble Tossers. Created in 2008 by two Atlanta women, Pebble Tossers Inc., is a nonprofit youth service organization and family volunteering resource that makes it easy to find fun, age-appropriate service projects for kids and teens. The name is based on the idea that one act of service can create far-reaching ripples of giving that span through the family, community, and lifetime. But finding a meaningful service project for kids can be tricky and time-consuming. From delivering meals and socks or making Valentine Boxes for the homeless, reading to the elderly, assisting swimmers with disabilities, making dinner for grieving families, working at the food bank, supporting our military or beautifying neighborhoods, there's a project that everyone can assist. For a listing of volunteer projects for families, click HERE
The Corporation for National & Community Service recommends projects that can continue to benefit your community throughout the year and that connect participants to the life and teachings of Dr. King, including some time to reflect on his teachings.
Specifically, the group offers these suggestions to involve kids in the day of service:
- Make cards for nursing home residents
- Adopt an elderly neighbor or nursing home
- Have a book drive
- Package care bags for homeless or families in need
- Make no-sew fleece blankets for children in the hospital
- Collect and sort school supplies to benefit a local shelter or library
- Rake leaves or shovel snow for elderly or disabled neighbors
- Create a game day at a local home for adults with disabilities
- Visit with animals at a local shelter
- Volunteer at a local soup kitchen or homeless shelter
- Participate in charity walks or runs
On MLKDay.gov, you can search for events in your area or register your own event so other people can find it and join you in your efforts.
Even if you are unable to volunteer, this a wonderful opportunity to talk to our children about the importance of giving back to our communities and working together to solve problems in the spirit of Dr. King.
Your family can also observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day with these activities:
- FREE Martin Luther King Birthday Party- Johns Creek Arts Center (Jan 20)
- Martin Luther King Jr., March and Rally (Jan. 20)
- MLK Day for Kids at the Children’s Museum of Atlanta (Jan. 20)
- MLK Museum Day at the Atlanta History Center (Jan. 20)
- The MLK Day 5K Drum Run (Jan. 20)
- FREE Entrance Days in the National Parks in honor of MLK Day (Jan. 20)
- Martin Luther King Jr. Lecture and Conversation Series at Morehouse College (Jan. 23)
